Mangrove Wetland Center - An Overview
Mumbai is to get its very own Mangrove Wetland Centre thanks to a landmark partnership between the Conservation Action Trust (CAT) and HSBC.
This exciting project has been developed to celebrate the importance of Mumbai’s valuable mangrove forests and give members of the public an opportunity to explore these amazing eco-systems. Mumbai’s Mangrove Wetland Centre (MWC) will be the first of its kind in India and aims to protect mangroves by building a better understanding of just how essential these plants are in protecting not only Mumbai’s coastlines, but coastlines all around India and the world.
The Centre will follow the excellent example set by the Mai Po Marshes Wetland Park in Hong Kong and is set to become a leading centre for mangrove and coastal conservation and research. The Centre will offer a truly unique experience and visitors will be able to walk amongst mangrove forests and see first-hand the truly fascinating array of flora and fauna hidden within. Visitors to the Centre will also be able to learn how mangroves can help reduce levels of flooding in Mumbai and find out how we can all work together to ensure that the destruction of mangroves is halted.
As an island city dependent upon mangroves for its survival, Mumbai is the ideal location for such a nationally important project. The Mangrove Wetland Centre project is the product of years of research on the mangroves in Mumbai and once completed it will be an example to emulate along the coasts of India.
Conservation Action Trust is delighted to confirm HSBC as its key partner for this revolutionizing initiative and is also pleased to announce the signing of an MOU with the Forest Department which gives the project, planned for the western coast of the Thane Creek, full approval. The introduction of a Wetland Centre in Mumbai will be an example of green governance in a city which is an international economic hub for India. The project will provide employment opportunities for local communities and will firmly put Mumbai on the international conservation map.